Security and energy control system

ABSTRACT

A presence detection and control system ( 2 ) outputs an identification code related to an individual, a motion signal in response to detecting motion in a field of view and/or a temperature signal related to an ambient temperature. A main control device ( 4 ) generates at least one wireless control signal based on the ID code, the motion signal and/or the temperature signal. A smart outlet ( 6 ) or a phone interrupter/dialer ( 8 ) can receive at least one wireless control signal. I the smart outlet ( 6 ) is responsive to the one wireless control signal, it connects an enery source to an energy consumption device ( 60, 62  or  64 ). If the phone interrupter/dialer ( 8 ) is responsive to the one wireless control signal, it conveys a message to a conductive communication line. This message is received by a central controller ( 90 ) which can log the message and/or a time the message was received.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is related to a presence detection andcontrol system and, more specifically, to a combination security andenergy control system for use in hotels/motels.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Presently, the hotel/motel industry is faced with two seeminglyunrelated problems. Firstly, there presently exists no easy andconvenient way to install a security system in each room of ahotel/motel for generating an alarm when an unauthorized person entersthe room. Secondly, guests exiting a room of a hotel or motel oftenforget to setback a thermostat of a room heating, ventilation and airconditioning (HVAC) unit to reduce power consumption when they are notin the room. More specifically, during warm summer months, it isdesirable for guests exiting their room to increase the room temperatureto a level that is not uncomfortable, but results in a reduction in theenergy consumed by the room HVAC unit when the guest is not present inthe room. Similarly, in cold winter months, it is desirable for a guestto decrease the room temperature when exiting the room to a level thatis not uncomfortable, but results in a reduction in the energy consumedby the room HVAC unit when the guest is not in the room. Presently,there exists no easy and convenient way to setback a room temperaturewhen a guest exits the room and to return the room to a desiredtemperature when the guest returns to the room.

[0005] An example of an energy saving device which energizes anddeenergizes electrical loads when such loads are not in use is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,495,984 to Santarriaga which issued on Mar. 5, 1996.

[0006] It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to overcomethe above problems and others by providing a presence detection andcontrol system which detects the presence or absence of a guest orintruder in a room and which controls the ambient temperature in theroom based on the presence or absence of a guest in the room. It is anobject of the present invention to provide a presence detection andcontrol system which creates a record of when a guest or intruder entersa room and when the guest leaves the room. It is an object of thepresent invention to setback the ambient temperature in the room whenthe guest is absent from the room and to return the ambient temperatureto a desired temperature when the guest returns to the room. Still otherobjects of the invention will be come apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detaileddescription.

SUMMARY

[0007] Accordingly, we have invented a presence detection and controlsystem which includes a card reader for generating an ID code inresponse to detecting an ID card, a motion sensor for generating amotion signal in response to detecting motion in a field of view, and atemperature sensor for generating a temperature signal based on atemperature detected by the temperature sensor. A radio transmittergenerates at least one radio control signal based on the ID code, themotion signal and/or the temperature signal. A first radio receiverresponsive to a first radio signal from the radio transmitter causes afirst relay to connect an energy source to a power consumption device. Asecond radio receiver responsive to a second radio control signal fromthe radio transmitter causes a message to be conveyed on a communicationline.

[0008] The system can also include a controller which receives andprocesses the message and (i) records a time of day the message isprocessed; (ii) records the ID code included in the message when the IDcode matches a reference ID code; (iii) sets an alarm condition when theID code does not match a reference ID code; and/or (iv) sets the alarmcondition when the message does not include the ID code.

[0009] The system can also include a controller responsive to thetemperature signal for causing the radio transmitter to generate thefirst radio control signal which causes the first relay to selectivelyconnect/disconnect the energy source to or from the power consumptiondevice as a function of the temperature signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a presence detection and controlsystem in accordance with the present invention;

[0011]FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram of the main security/powercontrol device shown in FIG. 1;

[0012]FIG. 3 is a detailed block diagram of the smart outlet shown inFIG. 1;

[0013]FIG. 4 is a detailed block diagram of the phone interrupter/dialershown in FIG. 1;

[0014]FIG. 5 is a detailed block diagram of the remote motion sensorshown in FIG. 1;

[0015]FIG. 6 is a detailed block diagram of the remote smoke detectorshown in FIG. 1;

[0016]FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of the smart room thermostatshown in FIG. 1; and

[0017]FIGS. 8a and 8 b are a flow chart of the operation of the presencedetection and control system shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] The present invention will be described with reference to theaccompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers correspond to likeelements.

[0019] With reference to FIG. 1, the present invention is a presencedetection and control system 2 which can be utilized for security andenergy control purposes in, for example, a hotel/motel. System 2includes a main security/power control device 4 (hereinafter a “maincontrol device”) configured to transmit wireless radio control signalsto one or more smart outlets 6 and a phone interrupter/dialer 8. Eachsmart outlet 6 and phone interrupter/dialer 8 is configured to receiveat least one radio control signal from main control device 4. Morespecifically, main control device 4, each smart outlet 6 and phoneinterrupter/dialer 8 are configured so that main control device 4 cancontrol the operation of each smart outlet 6 and/or phoneinterrupter/dialer 8 individually, simultaneously, or in some selectedcombination thereof.

[0020] Main control device 4, each smart outlet 6 and phoneinterrupter/dialer 8 are configured to be plugged into a standard walloutlet for receiving alternating current (AC) power therefrom. Eachsmart outlet 6 and phone interrupter/dialer 8 are positioned in a room10, or a plurality of adjacent rooms (not shown), within thetransmitting range of the radio control signals transmitted from maincontrol device 4.

[0021] Preferably, each radio control signal is transmitted by maincontrol device 4 in the FM frequency band. To avoid interference betweenpresence detection and control systems 2 in adjacent rooms 10 of ahotel/motel, each presence detection and control system 2 is configuredso that its radio control signals are transmitted in a manner that doesnot interfere with the operation of another presence detection andcontrol system 2. To this end, presence detection and control systems 2that are installed in rooms that are adjacent each other, either on thesame floor or on adjacent floors, can be configured to operate ondifferent FM frequency bands and/or in different time slices of a singleFM frequency band. Other coding techniques which prevent radio controlsignals of one presence detection and control system 2 from interferingwith the operation of another presence detection and control system 2can also be utilized. To further avoid such interference, each presencedetection and control system 2 is preferably configured to transmitradio control signals that remain essentially inside each room 10 oradjoining rooms of a hotel/motel in which each presence detection andcontrol system 2 is installed.

[0022] With reference to FIG. 2 and with continuing reference to FIG. 1,main control device 4 includes a controller 12, an RF transmitter 14, amotion sensor 16, a temperature sensor 18, a card reader 20, aclock/timing circuit 22, a user interface including a keyboard 26 and adisplay 28, and an audio speaker 30. An AC/DC power supply 32 receivesincoming AC power from a conventional AC source, such as a wall outlet,and provides DC power as necessary to the components of main controldevice 4.

[0023] Motion sensor 16 generates a motion signal which is supplied tocontroller 12 in response to motion sensor 16 detecting motion in afield of view of motion sensor 16. Temperature sensor 18 generates atemperature signal which is provided to controller 12. This temperaturesignal is related to a temperature detected by a temperature detectingelement (not shown) of temperature sensor 18. Card reader 20 generatesan identification (ID) code in response to detecting an ID card 34.Preferably, the ID code is magnetically recorded on ID card 34 and cardreader 20 includes appropriate magnetic detection circuitry (not shown)for detecting the ID code when the ID card is positioned adjacent themagnetic detection circuitry. Motion sensor 16, temperature sensor 18and card reader 20 are conventional in the art and will not be describedfurther herein.

[0024] Clock/timing circuit 22 is preferably a real time clock that canbe utilized by controller 12 to determine intervals of time. Userinterface 24 includes keyboard 26 which can be utilized by a user ofmain control device 4 to input data into controller 12 and display 28which controller 12 can utilize to display operating parameters of maincontrol device 4. Audio speaker 30 is connected to convert audiofrequency signals from controller 12 into audio tones in a manner knownin the art.

[0025] Controller 12 is preferably a conventional microprocessor basedcontrol system operating under the control of an embedded softwareprogram. Controller 12 preferably includes a microprocessor, a memoryunit and any required interface circuitry required for interfacingcontroller 12 to any elements providing input to controller 12 or to anyelements to be controlled by controller 12. The specifics of controller12 have not been included in FIG. 2 for simplicity of illustration.

[0026] RF transmitter 14 is configured to receive data from controller12 and to generate radio control signals which are broadcast via anantenna 36 for receipt by smart outlets 6 and/or phoneinterrupter/dialer 8. Preferably, this data is modulated based on the IDcode received from card reader 20, the temperature signal received fromtemperature sensor 18 and/or the motion signal received from motionsensor 16.

[0027] Optionally, main control device 4 can include a smoke detector 38which supplies controller 12 with a smoke detection signal based on thedetection of smoke by smoke detector 38 in a manner known in the art.

[0028] Main control device 4 can also include an optional RF receiver 40and a transmit/receive switch 42. RF receiver 40 is configured to supplyto controller 12 data corresponding to radio signals received by RFreceiver 40 via antenna 36. Transmit/receive switch 42 selectivelyconnects antenna 36 to RF transmitter 14 or RF receiver 40 under thecontrol of controller 12 thereby enabling antenna 36 to be used forbroadcasting radio control signals or for receiving radio signals.

[0029] With reference to FIG. 3 and with continuing reference to FIGS. 1and 2, each smart outlet 6 includes an antenna 50 which supplies radiocontrol signals received from main control device 4 to an RF receiver52. RF receiver 52 demodulates the received radio control signals intodata which is supplied to a controller 54 for processing. Each smartoutlet 6 has a data address which main control device 4 utilizes for theselective control thereof. This address can be stored in controller 54of each smart outlet 6 when each smart outlet 6 is manufactured or canbe established by jumpers and/or switches (not shown) in a manner knownin the art when each smart outlet 6 is installed. Preferably, eachcontroller 54 includes a processor, a memory unit and interfacecircuitry.

[0030] In order for main control device 4 to control each smart outlet6, main control device 4 is programmed, either during manufacturing ofmain control device 4 or via user interface 24, to include the addressof each smart outlet 6 to be controlled by main control device 4. Theseaddresses are modulated along with the data supplied to RF transmitter14 by controller 12 of main control device 4 for modulation into radiocontrol signals broadcast via antenna 36.

[0031] If controller 54 determines that the data received from RFreceiver 52 includes the address of controller 54, controller 54responds by selectively energizing/deenergizing a relay 56. Relay 56 hasa switch 58 connected at one end to an available source of incoming ACpower, such as a wall outlet, and connected at its other end to one ormore power consumption devices, such as a room HVAC unit 60, a lamp 62,a television 64, and the like. Lastly, each smart outlet 6 includes anAC/DC power supply 66 which converts incoming AC power into DC power foruse by RF receiver 52, controller 54 and relay 56.

[0032] With reference to FIG. 4 and with continuing reference to FIG. 1,phone interrupter/dialer 8 includes an antenna 68 which supplies radiocontrol signals received from main control device 4 to an RF receiver70. RF receiver 70 demodulates the received radio control signals intodata which is supplied to a controller 72 for processing. Controller 72is connected to a relay 74 and a modem 76. Relay 74 includes a switch 78which can be selectively switched to connect a telephone line 80,connected to relay 74, between a room telephone 82 and an output port ofmodem 76. The other end of telephone line 80 is connected to a prior arttelephone switch 84. Telephone switch 84 responds to dialing commandssupplied on telephone line 80 to selectively connect telephone line 80to another telephone 86 or to a modem 88 which interfaces telephone line80 to a central controller 90 for processing of data transmitted fromcontroller 72 to central controller 90 via modem 76.

[0033] Phone interrupter/dialer 8 has a data address which main controldevice 4 utilizes for the selective control thereof. This address can bestored in controller 72 when phone interrupter/dialer 8 is manufacturedor can be established by jumpers and/or switches (not shown) in a mannerknown in the art when phone interrupter/dialer 8 is installed.Preferably, controller 72 includes a processor, a memory unit andinterface circuitry.

[0034] In order for main control device 4 to control phoneinterrupter/dialer 8, main control device 4 is programmed, either duringmanufacturing of main control device 4 or via user interface 24, toinclude the data address of phone interrupter/dialer 8 to be controlledby main control device 4 in a manner to be described hereinafter. Thisaddress is modulated along with data supply to RF transmitter bycontroller 12 of main control device 4 for modulation into radio controlsignal broadcast via antenna 36.

[0035] In the absence of controller 72 receiving data from RF receiver70 including the data address of controller 72, relay 74 has its contact78 in a state connecting room telephone 82 to telephone line 80.However, if controller 72 receives data from data RF receiver 70 thatincludes the data address stored in controller 72, controller 72 causesrelay 74 to set switch 76 to a state connecting modem 76 to telephoneline 80. In this state, room telephone 82 is isolated from line 80.

[0036] The data received by controller 72 from RF receiver 70 caninclude, without limitation, information regarding the ID code generatedby card reader 20, the motion signal generated by motion sensor 16and/or the temperature signal generated by temperature sensor 18. Aftercontroller 72 causes relay 74 to connect modem 76 to telephone line 80,controller 72 causes modem 76 to dial the telephone number associatedwith modem 88. In response to receiving this dialing information,telephone switch 84 connects modem 76 to modem 88 in a manner known inthe art. Controller 72 then transmits to modem 76 a message containingthis information. Modem 76 modulates this message and transmits thismessage to modem 88 which demodulates the message and supplies it tocentral controller 90 for processing and/or retention.

[0037] Central controller 90 operates under the control of a softwareprogram for processing and/or retaining messages received from modem 88.Central controller 90 includes a processor, memory unit, mass storageunit and interface circuitry which, under the control of the softwareprogram, enables central controller 90 to process and store theinformation conveyed in the message received from modem 88. Centralcontroller 90 preferably includes a real time clock (not shown) whichenables central controller 90 to record a time of day when each messageis received along with some or all of the information contained in eachmessage. The specifics of central controller 90 have not been includedin FIG. 4 for simplicity of illustration.

[0038] With reference to FIG. 5 and with continuing reference to FIG. 1,presence detection and control system 2 can include a remote motionsensor 92 in addition to or as an alternative to motion sensor 16 ofmain control device 4. Remote motion sensor 92 includes a sensor element94 which generates a motion signal in response to detecting motion in afield of view of sensor element 94. This motion signal is supplied to anRF encoder/transmitter 96 which modulates the motion control signal andbroadcasts the modulated motion control signal as a radio control signalvia an antenna 98. Main control device 4 receives this radio controlsignal via antenna 36 when transmit/receive switch 42 connects antenna36 to RF receiver 40. RF receiver 40 demodulates the motion controlsignal from the radio control signal received from remote motion sensor92 and supplies it to controller 12 for processing. Remote motion sensor92 also includes an AC/DC power supply 100 which receives AC power froma conventional AC source, such as a wall outlet, and converts theincoming AC power into DC power usable by sensor element 94 and RFencoder/transmitter 96.

[0039] With reference to FIG. 6 and with continuing reference to FIG. 1,presence detection and control system 2 can include a remote smokedetector 102 in addition to or as an alternative to smoke detector 38 ofmain control device 4. Remote smoke detector 102 includes a smokedetector element 104 which generates a smoke signal in response todetecting the presence of smoke in room 10. This smoke signal isreceived by an RF encoder/transmitter 106 which modulates the smokesignal and which broadcasts the modulated smoke signal as a radiocontrol signal via antenna 108. Main control device 4 receives thisradio control signal via antenna 36 when transmit/receive switch 42connects antenna 36 and RF receiver 40. RF receiver 40 demodulates thesmoke signal from the radio control signal received from remote smokedetector 102 and supplies it to controller 12 for processing. Remotesmoke detector 102 includes an AC/DC power supply 110 which receives ACpower from a conventional AC source, such as a wall outlet, and whichconverts the incoming AC power into DC power usable by smoke detectorelement 104 and RF encoder/transmitter 106. Power supply 110 can be hardwired directly to the source of incoming AC power or can be connectedthereto via a wall outlet. Power supply 110 preferably includes abattery 112 which supplies DC power in the event of an interruption ofincoming AC power.

[0040] With reference to FIG. 7 and with continuing reference to FIG. 1,instead of supplying room HVAC unit 60 with incoming AC power via asmart outlet 6, e.g., smart outlet 6 b, room HVAC unit 60 can beconnected directly to the source of incoming AC power and the operationof room HVAC unit 60 can be controlled by a smart room thermostat 120,shown in phantom in FIG. 1. Smart room thermostat 120 replaces aconventional thermostat 61 connected to control room HVAC unit 60. Inaddition to providing user control of room HVAC unit 60 in the samemanner as thermostat 61, smart room thermostat 120 includes an antennawhich receives radio control signals broadcast by main control device 4and supplies the received radio control signals to an RF receiver 124which demodulates from the radio control signals data utilized tocontrol a thermostat control 126. Thermostat control 126 can include adata address which enables main control device 4 to selectivelycommunicate with smart room thermostat 120 via radio control signalsincluding data modulated with the data address of thermostat control126.

[0041] Thermostat control 126 performs all the essential functions ofthermostat 61. Namely, thermostat control 126 enables user selection ofa desired ambient temperature in room 10. In addition, thermostatcontrol 126 can also act on data received from RF receiver 124 tocontrol the operation of room HVAC unit 60 in a manner to be describedhereinafter. Since thermostat 61 is configured to operate from incominglow level AC and/or DC power supplied via room HVAC unit 60, smart roomthermostat 120 is preferably configured likewise. To this end, smartroom thermostat 120 includes a low level AC/DC power supply 128 whichconverts low level AC and/or DC power received from room HVAC unit 60into DC power for use by RF receiver 124 and thermostat control 126.

[0042] In the embodiment of presence detection and control system 2shown in FIG. 1, main control device 4, smart outlets 6 a, 6 b, and 6 c,and phone interrupter/dialer 8 are each received in separate enclosures.Each smart outlet 6 includes one or more outlets 114 connected to relay56 and configured to receive the plug of a power chord of television 64,room HVAC unit 60 or lamp 62. Each smart outlet 6 includes a plugconfigured to be received in a wall outlet for receiving incoming ACpower therefrom. Each smart outlet 6 can be configured to supply powerto a different size load. For example, smart outlets 6 a and 6 c can beconfigured to supply power at 120 volts to like rated power consumptiondevices, such as television 64 and lamp 62. Thus, smart outlets 6 a and6 c will each include a plug configured to mate with a 120 volt walloutlet and may include relays 56 having switches 58 rated to conveypower at 120 volts. In contrast, smart outlet 6 b may be configured tosupply power at 220 volts to room HVAC unit 60. Accordingly, smartoutlet 6 b will include a plug configured to mate with a 220 volt walloutlet and may include relay 56 having switch 58 rated to convey powerat 220 volts.

[0043] Preferably, main control device 4 and phone interrupter/dialer 8each include a plug configured to mate with a conventional wall outletfor receiving incoming AC power therefrom.

[0044] As discussed above, main control device 4, phoneinterrupter/dialer 8 and the one or more smart outlet 6 forming presencedetection and control system 2 are configured so that main controldevice 4 can selectively address and, hence, control each smart outlet 6and phone interrupter/dialer 8, independent of each other.

[0045] An exemplary operation of presence detection and control system 2will now be described with reference to the flow chart of FIGS. 8a and 8b and with continuing reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. Upon initiallyreceiving incoming AC power, main control device 4 initializes in startstep 130. After initialization, program flow advances to step 132 wherea decision is made whether ID card 34 is received in a slot of cardreader 20. If ID card 34 is received in the slot of card reader 20,program flow advances to step 134 where controller 12 determines if IDcard 34 was just inserted into the slot of card reader 20. If not,program flow advances to step 136 which returns program flow to startstep 130. If, however, controller 12 determines that ID card 34 was justreceived in card reader 20, program advances to step 138.

[0046] In step 138, main control device 4 generates a radio controlsignal for receipt by phone interrupter/dialer 8. This radio controlsignal includes the data address of phone interrupter/dialer 8, the IDcode recorded on ID card 34 and a command for phone interrupter/dialer 8to report the ID code to central controller 90. Central controller 90records this ID code along with the time the ID code was received bycentral controller 90 as an indication that the individual associatedwith the ID code entered room 10 at that time. To avoid unauthorizedindividuals having ID cards 34 from entering room 10, central controller90 can include a list of ID codes authorized to enter room 10. Inresponse to receiving an ID code that does not match an ID code in thelist authorized to enter room 10, central controller 90 can initiate analarm condition to which security personnel and/or local law enforcementofficers can respond.

[0047] Next, program flow advances to step 140 where main control device4 transmits one or more radio control signals which include the dataaddress of one or more smart outlets 6. These one or more radio controlsignals cause or enable each smart outlet 6 having its data addressincluded in the radio control signals to close its relay 56 therebyconnecting its source of incoming power to the power consumption deviceconnected thereto. Once each smart outlet 6 is enabled, it remainsenabled until affirmatively disabled by radio control signals from maincontrol device 4 or by the interruption of AC power to each smart outlet6. After step 140, program flow advances to step 136 which returnsprogram flow to start step 130.

[0048] Returning to step 132, if main control device 4 determines thatID card 34 is not received in the slot of card reader 20, program flowadvances to step 142. In step 142, main control device 4 determines ifcard 34 was just removed from the slot of card reader 20. If not,program flow advances to step 144.

[0049] In step 144, main control device 4 determines if motion sensor 16has generated a motion signal in response to detecting motion in a fieldof view. If motion sensor 16 has not generated a motion signal, programflow advances to step 146.

[0050] In step 146, main control device 4 detects if a temperaturesignal output by temperature sensor 18 is within a setback temperaturelimit. This setback temperature limit is utilized by main control device4 to control the ambient temperature in room 10 in the absence of motionsensor 16 detecting motion in room 10 when ID card 34 is not received inthe slot of card reader 20. More specifically, when ID card 34 is notreceived in the slot of card reader 20 and motion sensor 16 is notgenerating a motion signal, main control device 4 assumes control ofroom HVAC unit 60 over the setpoint temperature of thermostat 61. Tothis end, main control device 4 changes the ambient temperature in room10 in order to conserve the power consumed by room HVAC unit 60 over thesetpoint temperature of thermostat 61. For example, if thermostat 61 ofroom HVAC unit 60 is set to a desired setpoint temperature, main controldevice 4 will utilize the temperature signal output by temperaturesensor 18 to control smart outlet 6 b to cycle room HVAC unit 60 on andoff in a manner that saves electrical energy over the control providedby thermostat 61. For example, if thermostat 61 is set to a setpointtemperature of 76° F. and the ambient temperature outside of room 10 issuch that the ambient temperature inside room 10 will increase overtime, main control device 4 will cause smart outlet 6 b to cycle powerto room HVAC unit 60 so that the temperature in room 10 increases to asetback temperature, e.g., 84° F., where room HVAC unit 60 can readilyreturn room 10 to the setpoint temperature of thermostat 61 when ID card34 is subsequently received in the slot of card reader 20 and whenmotion is detected in room 10 by motion sensor 16. Similar commentsapply in respect of an ambient temperature outside of room 10 whichcauses the ambient temperature in room 10 to decrease when room HVACunit 60 is not operating in accordance with the setpoint temperature ofthe thermostat 61. In this example, however, the setback temperaturewill be lower, e.g., 68° F., than the setpoint temperature, e.g., 76°F., of the thermostat 61.

[0051] If main control device 4 determines in step 146 that the ambienttemperature of room 10 detected by temperature sensor 18 is within thetemperature setback limit, program flow advances to step 148. In step148, main control device 4 determines if at least smart outlet 6 b isenabled. If smart outlet 6 b is not enabled, program flow advances tostep 150 for return of program flow to start step 130. If, however, atleast smart outlet 6 b is enabled, program flow advances to step 152where main control device 4 generates a radio control signal whichcauses smart outlet 6 b to disable or disconnect room HVAC unit 60 fromthe source of incoming AC power. From step 152, program flow advances tostep 150 for return of program flow to start step 130.

[0052] Returning back to step 146, if the ambient temperature is outsidethe setback temperature limit, program flow advances from step 146 tostep 154. In step 154, main control device 4 transmits a radio controlsignal which causes at least smart outlet 6 b to enable therebyconnecting room HVAC unit 6 to the source of incoming AC power. Fromstep 154, program flow advances to step 156 for return of program flowto start step 130. Preferably, smart outlet 6 b is controlledindependent of smart outlet 6 a and/or 6 c to avoid unnecessarilycycling power to lamps 62 and/or television 64. However, this is not tobe construed as limiting the present invention.

[0053] As can be seen, steps 146-156 enable main control device 4 toassume control of room HVAC unit to setback the temperature of room 10when ID card 34 is not inserted in card reader 20 and when motion is notdetected in room 10. This can result in tremendous energy savings inhotel/motel rooms where guests often do not setback the setpointtemperature of thermostat 61 upon exiting room 10.

[0054] Returning back to step 144, if ID card 10 is not received in cardreader 20, and motion sensor 16 detects motion, program flow advances tostep 158. In step 158, main control device 4 waits a predeterminedinterval, e.g., 30 seconds, before advancing program flow to step 160.In step 160, a determination is made if card reader 20 has generated anID code in response to receiving ID card 34. If the ID code is generatedbefore the predetermined interval expires, program flow advances to step162 for return of program flow to start step 130. If, however, the IDcode is not generated before the predetermined interval expires, programflow advances from step 160 to step 164.

[0055] In step 164, main control device 4 transmits a radio controlsignal which causes phone interrupter/dialer 8 to convey to centralcontroller 90 a message including an indication that the ID code was notreceived before the predetermined interval expired. This indication mayinclude data notifying central controller 90 that an intruder hasentered room 10. In response to receiving this message, centralcontroller 90 stores the message and, preferably, the time of day themessage was received, and sets an alarm condition to which securitypersonnel and/or local law enforcement officers can respond. Inaddition, central controller 90 can coact with cameras (not shown)positioned outside of room 10 to record visual images of the intruderexiting room 10 for later identification purposes.

[0056] Program flow then advances from step 164 to step 166 where maincontrol device 4 waits an interval after reporting the presence of theintruder in room 10. From step 166, program flow advances to step 168for a return of program flow to start step 130.

[0057] Returning to step 142, if main control device 4 determines thatID card 34 was just removed from card reader 20, program flow advancesto step 170. In step 170, main control device 4 transmits radio controlsignals which cause each smart outlet 6 to disable, thereby isolatingthe power consumption device connected to each smart outlet 6 from thesource of incoming power. Thereafter, program flow advances from step170 to step 172 where main control device 4 transmits a radio controlsignal to phone interrupter/dialer 8. This radio control signal causesphone interrupter/dialer 8 to transmit to central controller 90 amessage indicating that ID card 34 was just removed from card reader 20.This indication may include a message that guests are exiting room 10.From step 172, program flow advances to step 174 where main controldevice 4 waits a predetermined interval before advancing to step 176 forreturn of program flow to start step 130.

[0058] It should be appreciated that computer software operatingpresence detection and control system 2 in accordance with the flowdiagram shown in FIGS. 8a and 8 b implements four routines 180, 182, 184and 186 which are individually selected based upon the presence orabsence of ID card 34 in the slot of card reader 20, an interval of timeID card 34 was inserted or removed from the slot, and the detection ofmotion by motion sensor 16. Routine 180 includes steps 136, 138 and 140which either cause central controller 90 to be notified of the ID codeencoded in ID card 34 when it is just received in the slot of cardreader 20 or to return to start step 130 when ID card 34 has beenreceived in the slot of card reader 20 for more than a firstpredetermined interval of time, e.g., 5 seconds.

[0059] Routine 182 is called when ID card 34 has been removed from cardreader 20 for more than a second predetermined interval of time, e.g.,30 seconds, and no motion is detected by motion sensor 16. Routine 182includes steps 146-156 for controlling smart outlet 6 b to cause roomHVAC unit 60 to adjust the ambient temperature of room 10 to a setbacktemperature when no guest is present in room 10. Alternatively, insteadof controlling the ambient temperature of room 10 to a setbacktemperature, main control device 4 can cause room HVAC unit 60 tooperate at a fixed duty cycle, e.g., 5 minutes on and 15 minutes off.

[0060] Routine 184 executes when ID card 34 is removed from card reader20 for more than the second predetermined interval of time and motion isdetected by motion sensor 16. Routine 184 includes steps 158-168 whichdetect whether ID card 34 is received in the slot of card reader 20within a third predetermined interval of time, e.g., 30 seconds. If IDcard 34 is received in the slot of card reader 20 within the thirdpredetermined interval, routine 184 returns program flow to start step130 without taking any action. However, if ID card 34 is not received inthe slot of card reader 20 within the third predetermined interval oftime, main control device 4 causes central controller 90 to receive viaphone interrupter/dialer 8 a message indicating the presence of anintruder in room 10. Thereafter, program flow advances to start step 130after an intruder delay interval executes in step 166.

[0061] Lastly, routine 186 executes if ID card 34 was just removed fromcard reader 20 within a fourth predetermined interval of time. Routine186 includes steps 170-176 which disable smart outlets 6 and which causecentral controller 90 to receive a message that ID card 34 has beenremoved from card reader 20, which message suggests that a guest isexiting room 10.

[0062] By continuously, selectively executing routines 180, 182, 184 and186, the presence of an authorized guest or an unauthorized intruder inroom 10 can be monitored and recorded. In addition, when an authorizedguest or staff member, such as cleaning personnel, enter room 10 andinsert ID card 34 in the slot of card reader 20, the control of roomHVAC unit 60 is relinquished to thermostat 61 which causes room HVACunit 60 to operate to return the ambient temperature in room 10 to thetemperature set at thermostat 61. In contrast, if ID card 34 has beenremoved from card reader 20 for a predetermined interval, e.g., 30seconds, and motion sensor 16 does not detect motion in room 10, roomHVAC unit 60 is controlled by smart outlet 6 b to adjust the ambienttemperature in room 10 to a setback temperature under the control ofmain control device 4. Lastly, if motion is detected in room 10 when IDcard 34 has been removed from card reader 24 for longer then apredetermined interval, and if ID card 34 is not inserted in card reader20 for another predetermined interval after motion is detected, centralcontroller 90 receives a message indicative of the absence of ID card 30in card reader 20 and the detection of motion in room 10, which messagesuggests the presence of an unauthorized intruder in room 10.

[0063] Preferably, one or more ID cards 34 are issued to one or moreguests staying in room 10. To encourage the use of ID cards 34, audiospeaker 30 of main control device 4 is caused to generate a tone whenmotion is initially detected in room 10 and when an ID card 34 is notreceived in the slot of card reader 20. When ID card 34 is received inthe slot of card reader 20, main control device 4 causes audio speaker30 to terminate generating the tone. This tone has the additionalbenefit of notifying an intruder into room 10 that their presence hasbeen detected whereupon, it is believed, the intruder will exit room 10before committing larceny. To further encourage use of ID cards 34, thetone generated by audio speaker 30 can increase in volume if ID card 34is not received in the slot of card reader 20 a predetermined intervalof time after motion is initially detected in room 10.

[0064] As can be seen, the present invention is a presence detection andcontrol system, and, more specifically, a security and energy controlsystem which can detect and record the presence or absence of anauthorized guest or staff member in room 10, the presence of anunauthorized intruder in room 10 and which can selectively control theambient temperature in room 10 as a function of the presence or absenceof an authorized guest or staff member therein.

[0065] The present invention has been described with reference to thepreferred embodiments. Obvious modifications and alterations will occurto others upon reading the preceding detailed description. For example,instead of utilizing smart outlet 6 a to control room HVAC unit 60,smart room thermostat 120 can replace thermostat 61 for controlling theselected application of incoming low level power to room HVAC unit 60 tocontrol the operation thereof under the control of main control device4. In addition, while described in connection with the use of telephoneline 30 for communicating messages between phone interrupter/dialer 8and central controller 90, a computer network, such as a local areanetwork or a wide area network, can be utilized to communicate messagesto central controller 90 via suitable computer cabling. In thisembodiment, relay 74 and modem 76 of phone interrupter/dialer 8 arereplaced with a network interface card (not shown), such as an Ethernetcard, for communicating with the computer network utilizing anestablished or custom protocol. Lastly, the operation of presencedetection and control system 2 can include other steps and/or routinesother than those shown in the flow chart of FIGS. 8a and 8 b. Forexample, main control device 4 can cause phone interrupter/dialer 8 toimmediately transmit a message to central controller 90 indicative ofthe detection of motion in room 10 when an ID card 34 is not received inthe slot of card reader 20. Thereafter, if central controller 90 doesnot receive an indication from main control device 4 that an ID card 34is received in the slot of card reader 20 within a predeterminedinterval, central controller 90 can initiate an alarm condition withoutprompting from main control device 4. It is intended that the inventionbe construed as including all such modifications and alterations insofaras they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

We claim:
 1. A presence detection and control system comprising: a cardreader for generating an identification (ID) code in response todetecting an ID card; a motion sensor for generating a motion signal inresponse to detecting motion in a field of view of the motion sensor; atemperature sensor for generating a temperature signal based on atemperature detected thereby; a radio transmitter for generating atleast one radio control signal based on the ID code, the motion signaland/or the temperature signal; a first relay connected between an energysource and an energy consumption device; a first radio receiverresponsive to a first radio control signal from the radio transmitterfor causing the first relay to connect the energy source to the powerconsumption device; means for conveying a message on a communicationline; and a second radio receiver responsive to a second radio controlsignal from the radio transmitter for causing the conveying means toconvey the message on the communication line.
 2. The system as set forthin claim 1, wherein the conveying means includes: a controller forproducing the message based on the second radio control signal;transmitting means responsive to the controller for transmitting themessage on the communication line; and a second relay connected betweenthe transmitting means and the communication line, the second relayresponsive to the controller for connecting the transmitting means tothe communication line.
 3. The system as set forth in claim 2, whereinthe transmitting means includes a modem.
 4. The system as set forth inclaim 1, further including a controller responsive to the motion signalfor causing the radio transmitter to output the second radio controlsignal which causes the conveying means to convey the message includingan indication that the motion signal was generated.
 5. The system as setforth in claim 4, wherein the controller is responsive to the motionsignal and/or the temperature signal for further causing the radiotransmitter to generate the first radio control signal.
 6. The system asset forth in claim 1, further including a controller responsive to themotion signal and the ID code, wherein: the controller determines if apredetermined interval expires from a time when the motion signal isgenerated; if the ID code is generated before the predetermined intervalexpires, the controller causes the radio transmitter to generate thesecond radio control signal which causes the conveying means to conveythe message including the ID code; and if the ID code is not generatedbefore the predetermined interval expires, the controller causes theradio transmitter to generate the second radio control signal whichcauses the conveying means to convey the message including an indicationthat the ID code was not received before the predetermined intervalexpired.
 7. The system as set forth in claim 1, further including: afirst controller responsive to the motion signal and the ID code fordetermining if the ID signal is generated within a predeterminedinterval after the motion signal is generated and for causing theconveyed message to include an indication thereof; and a secondcontroller responsive to the conveyed message for setting an alarmcondition when the conveyed message includes the indication that the IDcode was not generated before the expiration of the predeterminedinterval.
 8. The system as set forth in claim 1, further including: afirst controller responsive to the ID code for causing the conveyedmessage to include the ID code; and a second controller responsive tothe conveyed message for setting an alarm condition when the ID codedoes not match a reference ID code.
 9. The system as set forth in claim1, further including: means for receiving the conveyed message from thecommunication line; and a controller which records data related to eachreceived message and/or a time each received message is received by thereceiving means.
 10. The system as set forth in claim 1, wherein: the IDcode is magnetically recorded on the ID card; and the card readerincludes means for detecting the ID code when the ID card is positionedadjacent or moves adjacent the card reader.
 11. The system as set forthin claim 1, further including a controller responsive to the temperaturesignal for causing the radio transmitter to generate the first radiocontrol signal which causes the first relay to selectivelyconnect/disconnect the energy source to/from the power consumptiondevice as a function of the temperature signal or a predetermined dutycycle.
 12. A presence detection and control system comprising: means foroutputting an identification (ID) code related to an identity of anindividual; means for producing a motion signal in response to detectingmotion in a field of view; means for producing a temperature signalrelated to an ambient temperature; means for generating at least oneradio control signal based on the ID code, the motion signal and/or thetemperature signal; means for receiving the at least one radio controlsignal; and at least one of: (i) means for connecting an energy sourceto an energy consumption device in response to the receiving meansreceiving the at least one radio control signal; and (ii) means forconveying a message to a conductive communication line in response tothe receiving means receiving the at least one radio control signal. 13.The system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the receiving meansincludes at least one of: (i) a first radio receiver responsive to afirst wireless control signal for causing the connecting means toconnect the energy source to the energy consumption device; and (ii) asecond radio receiver responsive to a second wireless control signal forcausing the conveying means to convey the message to the conductivecommunication line.
 14. The system as set forth in claim 12, furtherincluding means for determining when a predetermined interval expiresfrom a time when the motion signal is generated, wherein: in response tooutput of the ID code before expiration of the predetermined interval,the generating means generates the radio control signal which causes theconveying means to convey the message including the ID code; and inresponse to expiration of the predetermined interval before output ofthe ID code, the generating means generates the radio control signalwhich causes the conveying means to convey the message excluding the IDcode.
 15. The system as set forth in claim 14, further including meansfor processing the message conveyed to the conductive communication lineand for, at least one of: (i) recording a time of day the message isprocessed; (ii) recording the ID code included in the message when theID code matches a reference ID code; (iii) setting an alarm conditionwhen the ID code does not match a reference ID code; and (iv) settingthe alarm condition when the message does not include the ID code. 16.The system as set forth in claim 15, wherein the conveying meansincludes: a first controller for converting the at least one radiocontrol signal received by the receiving means into the message; a firstmodem responsive to the first controller for transmitting the message tothe communication line; and a relay responsive to the first controllerfor selectively connecting the modem to the communication line.
 17. Thesystem as set forth in claim 16, wherein the processing means includes:a second modem connected to the communication line for receiving themessage transmitted by the first modem; and a second controller foracting on the message.
 18. The system as set forth in claim 12, whereinthe connecting means includes: a controller for converting the at leastone radio control signal received by the receiving means into data; anda relay responsive to the controller for selectivelyconnecting/disconnecting the energy source to the energy consumptiondevice as a function of the data.
 19. The system as set forth in claim18, wherein: the relay selectively connects/disconnects the energysource to/from the energy consumption device at one of a predeterminedduty cycle and a temperature related to the temperature signal.
 20. Thesystem as set forth in claim 12, wherein the conductive communicationline includes at least one of a telephone line and a computer networkcable.
 21. A presence detection and control system comprising: means forproducing a motion signal in response to detecting motion in a field ofview; means for producing a temperature signal based on an ambienttemperature; means for generating at least one radio control signalbased on the motion signal and/or the temperature signal; means forreceiving a first radio control signal from the generating means; andmeans for selectively connecting/disconnecting an energy source to anenergy consumption device in response to the receiving means receivingthe first radio control signal.
 22. The system as set forth in claim 21,further including: means for outputting an identification (ID) coderelated to an identity of an individual; and means for conveying amessage to a conductive communication line in response to the receivingmeans receiving a second radio control signal from the generating means,wherein the generating means generates the second radio control signalbased on the ID code.
 23. A presence detection and control systemcomprising: means for outputting an identification (ID) code related toan identity of an individual; means for generating at least one radiocontrol signal based on the ID code; means for receiving a first radiocontrol signal from the generating means; and means for conveying amessage to a conductive communication line in response to the receivingmeans receiving the first radio control signal.
 24. The system as setforth in claim 23, further including: means for producing a temperaturesignal based on an ambient temperature; means for producing a motionsignal in response to detecting motion in a field of view; and means forconnecting an energy source to an energy consumption device in responseto the receiving means receiving a second radio control signal, whereinthe generating means generates the second radio control signal based onthe ID code and/or the motion signal.